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Concept Note and Funding Proposal Writing for NGOs

African NGOs and community organisations compete for limited donor funding, and a sharp concept note is often the gateway to a full proposal. This course teaches practitioners to articulate a problem, a theory of change and a credible plan in the concise formats donors expect. Delegates practise writing concept notes and proposals that are clear, logical and aligned to funder priorities.

What you will be able to do

  • Articulate a problem and need with clear supporting evidence.
  • Express a logical theory of change and expected outcomes.
  • Write a concise concept note that fits donor page limits.
  • Align a proposal to a funder's priorities and criteria.
  • Present a realistic activity plan, budget summary and results framework.
  • Review a submission against a funder's guidelines before sending.

Course outline

  1. 01The Funding Landscape and Donor Expectations
  2. 02Defining the Problem and Need
  3. 03Building a Theory of Change
  4. 04Writing a Concise Concept Note
  5. 05Aligning to Funder Priorities
  6. 06Activity Plans, Results and Budgets
  7. 07Reviewing Against Donor Guidelines

Who should attend

This course is designed for NGO programme staff, fundraising and grants officers and community organisation leaders who write concept notes and funding proposals.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Dubai3US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Lagos3US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026Harare3US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026Kampala3US$1,500
21 to 23 Sep 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
28 to 30 Sep 2026Pretoria3R13,000
5 to 7 Oct 2026Cape Town3R13,000
19 to 21 Oct 2026Online3US$900
26 to 28 Oct 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Cairo3US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026Accra3US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026Kigali3US$1,500
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
7 to 9 Dec 2026Durban3R13,000
14 to 16 Dec 2026Johannesburg3R13,000

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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